Timothy M. Keller, Mayor
City of Albuquerque
Office of the Mayor/ chief administrative office
Interoffice Memorandum
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to: |
cynthia borrego, president, city council |
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from: |
Timothy m. Keller, Mayor |
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subject: |
Veto of O-20-18, imposing a municipal gasoline tax of two cents per gallon CONDITIONAL upon voter approval |
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date: |
june 2, 2021 |
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As we start to come out of the pandemic, I respect Council for trying to find a way to pay for infrastructure, but I believe that if we work together we can do this in a better way.
In the case of this measure, I have concerns about “entrenched legislation,” a legal concept I ran up against in my work as lawmaker in our State Senate. Like entrenched legislation, O-20-18 tries to bind a future Council that will not be composed of the same membership (due to possible election changes and the retirement of two councilors) at the time of the proposed vote.
From our bond investments to Federal stimulus funds to our COVID-19 emergency infrastructure projects; together we have a strong track record of investing in our city. Next year, with those who are elected, and after the pandemic has passed and finances become more predictable; I am open to revisiting infrastructure funding methods that include a richer discussion of options regarding source funds and usage of funds. Based on this and the possibility to remedy the entrenched legislation concern next year, I am exercising my authority to veto this legislation.